Reconfigurable magnetic logic device using spin torque

ABSTRACT

Spin torque magnetic logic devices that function as memory devices and that can be reconfigured or reprogrammed as desired. In some embodiments, the logic device is a single magnetic element, having a pinned layer, a free layer, and a barrier layer therebetween, or in other embodiments, the logic device has two magnetic elements in series. Two input currents can be applied through the element to configure or program the element. In use, logic input data, such as current, is passed through the programmed element, defining the resistance across the element and the resulting logic output. The magnetic logic device can be used for an all-function-in-one magnetic chip.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional application of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/126,014, filed on May 23, 2008 entitled“Reconfigurable Magnetic Logic Device Using Spin Torque”, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to spin torque transfer devices.

Spin electronics has attracted much research and industrial interest inthe last decade. In spin electronics, the spin of an electron, ratherthan the charge, is used to indicate the presence of digitalinformation. The digital information or data, represented as a “0” or“1”, is storable in the alignment of magnetic moments within a magneticelement and is represented as the resistive state of the magneticelement, which depends on the magnetic moment's alignment ororientation. The stored information or data is read from the element bydetecting the magnetic element's resistive state. A more recentdevelopment of spin electronics is the spin transfer torque technology,which is a method to manipulate the electron spin and magneticorientation of electronic devices and therefore the stored information.

The magnetic element, in general, includes a ferromagnetic pinned layerand a ferromagnetic free layer, each having a magnetization orientation,and a non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween. The magnetizationorientations of the free layer and the pinned layer define theresistance of the overall magnetic element. Such an element is generallyreferred to as a “spin tunneling junction,” “magnetic tunnel junction”or the like. When the magnetization orientations of the free layer andpinned layer are parallel, the resistance of the element is low. Whenthe magnetization orientations of the free layer and the pinned layerare antiparallel, the resistance of the element is high.

The magnetization orientation of the free layer is conventionallycontrolled by an external magnetic field. Recently-observed spintransfer torque effect shows that a DC current or current pulse throughthe magnetic element can also be used to manipulate the free layermagnetization orientation. Under a sufficiently large current, the freelayer magnetization orientation stabilizes along the parallel directionwith respect to the pinned layer magnetization orientation whenelectrons flow from the pinned layer to the free layer, vice versa. Toread out the resistance of the magnetic element, acurrent-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) configuration is used, in which asmall current is driven perpendicular to the layers of the magneticelement. Because of the small size of the magnetic elements and theclose spacing of adjacent elements, care must be taken that currentapplied to one magnetic element does not inadvertently affect anadjacent magnetic element.

At least because of their small size, it is desirous to use magneticlogic elements in many applications. It has been proposed that thesespin electronic devices using magnetic fields could be used as logicdevices. However, there are deficiencies in the proposed designs.Complex logic functions (such as an XOR function) can not be realizedusing the design of magnetic logic devices employing magnetic fields.The present disclosure provides improved programmable or reconfigurablemagnetic logic device that utilize input current passed through magneticelements.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to spin torque magnetic logic devices. Insome embodiments, the logic device is a single magnetic element, havinga pinned layer, a free layer, and a barrier layer therebetween. Twoinput currents can be applied through the element to configure orprogram the element. In use, logic input current is passed through theprogrammed element, defining the resistance across the element and theresulting logic output. The logic devices also function as memorydevices and may be reprogrammed when desired without requiring hardwarechanges.

A first particular embodiment of this disclosure is a magnetic logicdevice having a magnetic tunnel junction element comprising a pinnedlayer, a free layer and a barrier layer therebetween, the free layermagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque. Through themagnetic tunnel junction element is an electrical path for a first logicinput current and a second logic input current. A resistance sensingcircuit is electrically connected to the magnetic tunnel junctionelement to detect the resistance (logic output) across the element. Insome embodiments, the logic device is an AND gate. In other embodiments,the logic device is an OR gate.

A second particular embodiment of this disclosure is a magnetic logicdevice having a first magnetic tunnel junction element comprising aferromagnetic pinned layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and anon-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, and a second magnetic tunneljunction element connected in series to the first magnetic tunneljunction element with a spacer layer therebetween, the second elementcomprising a second ferromagnetic pinned layer, a second ferromagneticfree layer, and a second non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween. Thefree layers have a magnetization orientation switchable by spin torque.The device includes a first input current path and a second inputcurrent path into and through the first and second magnetic tunneljunction elements that provide a flow of electrons through the firstmagnetic tunnel junction element and the second magnetic tunnel junctionelement. Also included is a resistance sensing circuit electricallyconnected to the first magnetic tunnel junction element and the secondmagnetic tunnel junction element. This magnetic logic device is suitablefor complex logic functions. In some embodiments, the magnetic logicdevice is a NAND gate, having the first free layer antiparallel to thefirst pinned layer, the second free layer antiparallel to the secondpinned layer, and the first pinned layer parallel to the second pinnedlayer. In other embodiments, the magnetic logic device is an XOR gate,having the first free layer antiparallel to the first pinned layer, thesecond free layer parallel to the second pinned layer, and the firstpinned layer parallel to the second pinned layer.

A third particular embodiment of this disclosure is a magnetic logicdevice comprising a first magnetic logic element and a second magneticlogic element, and a non-magnetic spacer layer therebetween, eachmagnetic logic element comprising a ferromagnetic pinned layer, aferromagnetic free layer and a non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween,each of the free layers having a magnetization orientation. Also presentis an input system that defines the magnetization orientations of thefree layers in accordance with a combination of a first input data and asecond input data, and an output sensing system that reads an outputdata. The input data may be current, such as DC current. The output datamay be resistance.

A fourth particular embodiment of this disclosure is a method forprogramming a magnetic logic device by providing a magnetic logic devicehaving first and second magnetic logic elements, orienting themagnetization orientation of the free layers of the elements by passinga first input current and a second input current through the magneticlogic device to form a programmed logic device, and reading the outputdata and, based on the input currents, to determine a logic function ofthe device. The reading of the output data may be with a current lessthan a critical current of the free layers. In some embodiments,orienting the magnetization orientation of the free layers is done bypassing a first input current and a second input current through themagnetic logic device so that the pinned layer and the free layer of thefirst magnetic logic element are antiparallel and the pinned layer andthe free layer of the second magnetic logic element are antiparallel, toform a NAND logic device. In some other embodiments, the orienting ofthe magnetization orientation of the free layers is done by passing afirst input current and a second input current through the magneticlogic device so that the pinned layer and the free layer of the firstmagnetic logic element are antiparallel and the pinned layer and thefree layer of the second magnetic logic element are parallel, to form anXOR logic device. In some embodiments, after reading the output data, areprogrammed logic device can be made by reorienting the magnetizationorientation of the free layers by passing a third input current and afourth input current through the magnetic logic device.

These and various other features and advantages will be apparent fromthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the inventionin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a logic deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of the logic device of FIG. 1,having been programmed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a logic deviceaccording to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A through 2D are representations of various magnetizationorientations of the logic device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a logic deviceaccording to the present disclosure, in particular, a NAND gate.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a logic deviceaccording to the present disclosure, in particular, an XOR gate.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in thefigures refer to like components. However, it will be understood thatthe use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is notintended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the samenumber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying setof drawings that form a part hereof and in which are shown by way ofillustration several specific embodiments. It is to be understood thatother embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the present invention. The followingdetailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation ofvarious aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion ofthe examples provided below.

All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonlyused in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions providedherein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequentlyherein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a magnetic logic device 10 isdiagrammatically illustrated. Although not illustrated herein, logicdevice 10 is formed on a substrate. Logic device 10 includes aferromagnetic pinned layer 12, a ferromagnetic free layer 14, and anon-magnetic tunnel barrier layer 13 between pinned layer 12 and freelayer 14. Each of pinned layer 12 and free layer 14 has a magneticorientation or magnetization orientation associated therewith, indicatedby the arrow orientation; in FIG. 1, pinned layer 12 has a designatedmagnetization orientation, whereas free layer 14 is illustrated ashaving a non-designated magnetization orientation. Pinned layer 12 maybe pinned by an antiferromagnetic layer or may be a fixed layer withoutpinning but with a high coercivity to stabilize itself. Pinned layer 12could be replaced by a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) coupledstructure, i.e., two ferromagnetic sublayers separated by a metallicspacer, such as Ru or Cu, with the magnetization orientations of thesublayers in opposite directions. Tunnel barrier layer 13 may be anon-magnetic metallic material or a non-magnetic metal oxide material.Note that other layers, such as seed or capping layers, or electrodesadjacent layers 12, 14, are not depicted for clarity, as are bit linesand word lines.

Logic device 10 is configured to receive input via a first electriccurrent 21 and a second electric current 22 passing therethrough. Inthis embodiment, for this discussion, programming or input currentflowing through device 10 in a downward direction (as current 22 isillustrated), has electrons flowing upward, and is defined as binarydata bit “0”; programming current flowing through device 10 in an upwarddirection (as current 21 is illustrated) has electrons flowing downward,and is defined as binary data bit “1”. It should be understood thatcurrent 21, 22 passes through device 10 for a very short time, and thatcurrent 21, 22 could be referred to as a current pulse or even a voltagepulse. Further, the direction of currents 21, 22 is illustrated in FIG.1 merely as an example of orientation, and is not intended to define themagnetization orientation of free layer 14.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the programming of logic device 10 bydefining the magnetization orientation of free layer 14 by currents 21,22 applied to device 10. In FIG. 1A, both currents 21A, 22A pass downthrough logic device 10A; the total input current is “00”. Due to bothcurrents 21A, 22A passing in the direction of pinned layer 12 to freelayer 14A, the resulting magnetization orientation of free layer 14A isantiparallel to the orientation of pinned layer 12. These initialcurrents 21A, 22A program device 10A as an AND gate, as will bedescribed below. FIG. 1B, both currents 21B, 22B pass up through logicdevice 10B; the total input current is “11”. Due to both currents 21B,22B passing in the direction of free layer 14 to pinned layer 12, theresulting magnetization orientation of free layer 14B is parallel to theorientation of pinned layer 12. These initial currents 21B, 22B programdevice 10B as an OR gate, as will be described below.

After being programmed, logic input currents can be applied to logicdevices 10A, 10B to obtain a logic output. For both programmed devices10A, 10B, logic input current 21A, 21B and logic input current 22A, 22Bshould be applied simultaneously (i.e., logic input 21A and logic input22A are applied simultaneous to produce device 10A, and logic input 21Band logic input 22B are applied simultaneous to produce device 10B). Ifnot applied simultaneously, the prior programmed state of device 10A,10B may be altered. To better avoid undesired altering of the programmedstates, the amplitude of each of the input currents can be maintainedbelow the critical current level (i.e., the current needed to switch thefree layer), so that only the combination of the two input currents canswitch the free layer.

Based on the logic input currents into programmed device 10A, 10B, thelogic output is defined by the resistance across device 10A, 10B. Sincemagnetic tunneling of electrons through tunnel barrier layer 13contributes the majority of the resistance across magnetic element 10A,10B, the resistance of element 10A, 10B is determined, in large part, bythe magnetization orientation of pinned layer 12 and free layer 14A,14B. A resistance sensing circuit 15 is operably coupled across device10A, 10B to measure the resistance. Because pinned layer 12 has itsmagnetization orientation fixed, change in the magnetization orientationof free layer 14A, 14B will change the resistance and the logic outputof device 10A, 10B. It is well established that when the magnetizationorientations of the free layer and pinned layer are parallel, the outputresistance across the element is low (R_(L)); for this discussion, thelow resistance is defined as output binary data bit “1”. When themagnetization orientations of the free layer and the pinned layer areantiparallel, the output resistance of the element is high (R_(H)); forthis discussion, the high resistance is defined as output binary databit “0”.

As mentioned above, programmed device 10A is an AND gate. In use, twobits of data, as input current using the definitions of above, areapplied to programmed device 10A. The input levels and output for thefour possible configurations are summarized below in Table 1. The fourconfigurations of inputs and output define the logic device as an ANDgate.

TABLE 1 Input Data 21A Input Data 22A Free Layer 14A Output Data 0 0 Noswitch 0 0 1 No switch 0 1 0 No switch 0 1 1 Switch 1

As mentioned above, programmed device 10B is an OR gate. In use, twobits of data, as input current using the definitions of above, areapplied to programmed device 10B. The input levels and output for thefour possible configurations are summarized below in Table 2. The fourconfigurations of inputs and output define the logic device as an ORgate.

TABLE 2 Input Data 21B Input Data 22B Free Layer 14B Output Data 0 0Switch 0 0 1 No switch 1 1 0 No switch 1 1 1 No switch 1

Either or both programmed devices 10A, 10B can be reprogrammed orreconfigured at a later time by applying current inputs to obtain thedesired configuration. One method to reprogram devices 10A, 10B is toapply an input current above the critical current level (i.e., thecurrent needed to switch free layer 14A, 14B).

Another embodiment of a magnetic logic device in accordance with thisdisclosure is illustrated in FIG. 2. Logic device 10, discussed above,is composed of a single magnetic logic element (having a pinned layer, afree layer and a tunnel barrier layer) through which two currents arepassed. Logic device 50 of FIG. 2 is composed of two magnetic logicelements in series.

Logic device 50 is composed of a first magnetic element 30 and a secondmagnetic element 40. A resistance sensing circuit 60 is operably coupledacross device 50 to measure the resistance. First element 30 includes aferromagnetic pinned layer 32, a ferromagnetic free layer 34, and anon-magnetic tunnel barrier layer 33 between pinned layer 32 and freelayer 34. Similarly, second element 40 includes a ferromagnetic pinnedlayer 42, a ferromagnetic free layer 44, and a non-magnetic tunnelbarrier layer 43 between pinned layer 42 and free layer 44. Positionedbetween first element 30 and second element 40, specifically betweenfree layer 34 and free layer 44, is a spacer layer 55.

Each of pinned layers 32, 42 and free layers 34, 44 has a magneticorientation or magnetization orientation associated therewith. In FIG.2, pinned layers 32, 42 both have a designated magnetizationorientation, whereas free layers 34, 44 are illustrated as having anon-designated magnetization orientation. Tunnel barrier layers 33, 43may be non-magnetic metallic material or non-magnetic metal oxidematerial. Spacer layer 55 can be a non-magnetic, metallic layer (e.g.,Cu) and is sufficiently thick to isolate elements 30, 40 so that firstelement 30 and second element 40 function independently of one another.That is, the magnetization orientation of free layer 34 does not affectand is not affected by the magnetization orientation of free layer 44.Note that other layers, such as seed or capping layers, or electrodesadjacent layers 32, 42, are not depicted for clarity.

In this embodiment, logic device 50 is configured to receive a firstprogramming current 51 and a second programming current 52 passingtherethrough. In this embodiment, both currents 51, 52 flow upward, sothat the electrons flow downward. In this discussion, when a current(either current 51, 52) is “off”, the input is defined as binary databit “0”, and current “on” is input defined as binary data bit “1”. The“on” status of currents 51, 52 in FIG. 2 is merely as an example, and isnot intended to define the magnetization orientation of free layers 34,44.

For discussion herein, the coercive fields of free layers 34, 44 aredifferent, resulting in a difference in the critical switching currentfor elements 30, 40. A hard free layer (e.g., free layer 34) has ahigher switching current (I_(H)) than a soft free layer (e.g., freelayer 44), which has a smaller switching current (I_(S)). The amplitudeof each of programming currents 51, 52 (I_(input)) satisfies Max{I_(S),½ I_(H)}<I_(input)<I_(H) where Max{I_(S), ½ I_(H)} is the larger ofI_(S) and ½ I_(H). In this manner, a single input current can onlyswitch the soft free layer, and the sum of two input currents is neededto switch the hard free layer.

As described above in reference to logic device 10, when themagnetization orientations of the free layer and pinned layer areparallel, the output resistance across the element is low (R_(L)); forthis discussion, the low resistance is defined as “0”. When themagnetization orientations of the free layer and the pinned layer areantiparallel, the output resistance of the element is high (R_(H)); forthis discussion, the high resistance is defined as “1”.

Returning to the figures, FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate the programmingof logic device 50 of FIG. 2 by defining the magnetization orientationof free layers 34, 44 due to input currents 51, 52 applied to device 50.The various elements and layers of device 50 are not illustrated inFIGS. 2A through 2D, but are understood to be as those illustrated inFIG. 2.

In FIG. 2A, element 30 has parallel magnetization orientations, which isR_(L), and element 40 has parallel magnetization orientations, R_(L). InFIG. 2B, element 30 has parallel magnetization orientations, which isR_(L), and element 40 has antiparallel magnetization orientations,R_(H). In FIG. 2C, element 30 has antiparallel magnetizationorientations, which is R_(H), and element 40 has parallel magnetizationorientations, R_(L). In FIG. 2D, element 30 has antiparallelmagnetization orientations, which is R_(H), and element 40 hasantiparallel magnetization orientations, R_(H). The resistance of FIG.2A is the lowest and the resistance of FIG. 2D is the highest. For thisdiscussion, the lowest and middle resistance levels (FIGS. 2A, 2B, and2C) are defined as “0” and the highest resistance level (FIG. 2D) isdefined as “1”.

FIG. 3 illustrates device 50 programmed as device 50A, at the highestresistance level (FIG. 2D). In use, two bits of data, as input currentusing the definitions of above, can be applied to device 50A. The inputlevels and output for the four possible configurations are summarizedbelow in Table 3. These four configurations of inputs and output definelogic device 50A as a NAND gate.

TABLE 3 Input Data 51A Input Data 52A Free Layers Output Data 0 0 Noswitch 1 0 1 No switch 1 1 0 No switch 1 1 1 Switch hard layer 34A 0

When both inputs are “0” (i.e., no input current applied), no freelayers switch their magnetization orientation, and device 50A remains asit is. When the input is “01” or “10”, sufficient input current isapplied to switch soft layer 44A of element 40A, but not hard layer 34A.However, because of the direction of input of input currents 51, 52through element 40A, first through pinned layer 42 and then through freelayer 44A, the desired orientation is antiparallel. Thus, free layer 44Adoes not switch from its programmed magnetization orientation. When theinput “11” is applied, sufficient input current is applied to switchhard free layer 34A of element 30 and soft free layer 44A of element40A. Because the direction of current input into element 30A is firstthrough free layer 34A then to pinned layer 32, free layer 34A desiresparallel orientation, and hard free layer 34A switches. However, becauseof the direction of current input through element 40A, the desiredorientation is antiparallel. Thus, soft free layer 44A does not switchfrom its programmed magnetization orientation.

FIG. 4 illustrates device 50 programmed as device 50B, at the highestlow resistance level (FIG. 2C). In use, two bits of data, as inputcurrent using the definitions of above, can be applied to device 50B.The input levels and output for the four possible configurations aresummarized below in Table 4. These four configurations of inputs andoutput define logic device 50B as an XOR gate.

TABLE 4 Input Data 51B Input Data 52B Free Layers Output Data 0 0 Noswitch 0 0 1 Switch soft layer 44B 1 1 0 Switch soft layer 44B 1 1 1Switch soft layer 44B 0 and hard layer 34B

When both inputs are “0”, no free layers switch their magnetizationorientation, and device 50B remains as it is. When the input is “01” or“10”, sufficient input current is applied to switch soft layer 44B ofelement 40B, but not hard layer 34B. Because of the direction of currentinput through element 40B, first through pinned layer 42 and thenthrough free layer 44A, the desired orientation is antiparallel. Thus,free layer 44B switches from its programmed magnetization orientation.When the input “11” is applied, sufficient input current is applied toswitch hard free layer 34B of element 30B and soft free layer 44B ofelement 40B. Because the direction of current input into element 30B isfirst through free layer 34B then to pinned layer 32, free layer 34Bdesires parallel orientation, and hard free layer 34B switches.Similarly, because of the direction of current input through element40B, the desired orientation is antiparallel, and soft free layer 44Bswitches from its programmed magnetization orientation.

Programmed device 50A of FIG. 3 and programmed device 50B of FIG. 4 alsofunction as a controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate. When first input current 51A,51B is “1” (on), the output will always be the opposite of the secondinput current 52A, 52B.

Devices 50A, 50B described above can be programmed and reprogrammed asdescribed above in respect to devices 10A, 10B. These general devices10, 50 have numerous advantages for enhancing integrated device density.For example, multiple functions can be performed by devices 10, 50;devices 10, 50 can function both as memory and a reconfigurable logicdevice. Also, by using spin torque switching of magnetizationorientations, the processing time for devices 10, 50 is on the order ofa nanosecond, providing fast response time. Further, due to thenon-volatility of the magnetic devices, devices 10, 50 can retaininformation without extra needed power, which dramatically decreasespower consumption.

Because each individual magnetic device (of above) can processinformation as a logic device and store information as a non-volatilememory unit, the multiple functions of the magnetic logic device (i.e.,non-volatile memory and logic) can be incorporated into a singlemagnetic chip. For example, a system chip utilizing a magnetic logicdevice described above can have the computations structure and memorystructure all in the same system chip. The traditional hard drive,memory, and CPU can be combined into a single, all-function-in-onesystem chip. Having such an all-function-in-one chip utilizing aplurality of magnetic logic devices reduces data communication timewithin a computing system, between the CPU, memory, and hard drive.Further, due to the non-volatility of the magnetic devices, a single,all-function-in-one magnetic chip can function and retain informationusing low power consumption.

Various configurations for magnetic logic elements and systems utilizingthose elements have been discussed above. Thus, numerous embodiments ofthe RECONFIGURABLE MAGNETIC LOGIC DEVICE USING SPIN TORQUE aredisclosed. The implementations described above and other implementationsare within the scope of the following claims. One skilled in the artwill appreciate that the present invention can be practiced withembodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments arepresented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and thepresent invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

1. A reconfigurable device comprising: a first magnetic elementcomprising a ferromagnetic pinned layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, anda non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a second magneticelement connected in series to the first magnetic element with a spacerlayer therebetween, the second element comprising a second ferromagneticpinned layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and a secondnon-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the second free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a first inputcurrent path and a second input current path into and through the firstand second magnetic elements that provide a flow of electrons throughthe first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; and aresistance sensing circuit electrically connected to the first magneticelement and the second magnetic element, wherein the magnetic device isa NAND gate.
 2. The magnetic device of claim 1, wherein the first freelayer is antiparallel to the first pinned layer, and the second freelayer is antiparallel to the second pinned layer, and the first pinnedlayer and second pinned layer are parallel.
 3. A reconfigurable devicecomprising: a first magnetic element comprising a ferromagnetic pinnedlayer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a second magnetic element connected in seriesto the first magnetic element with a spacer layer therebetween, thesecond element comprising a second ferromagnetic pinned layer, a secondferromagnetic free layer, and a second non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the second free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a first input current path and a second inputcurrent path into and through the first and second magnetic elementsthat provide a flow of electrons through the first magnetic element andthe second magnetic element; and a resistance sensing circuitelectrically connected to the first magnetic element and the secondmagnetic element, wherein the magnetic device is an XOR gate.
 4. Themagnetic device of claim 3, wherein the first free layer is antiparallelto the first pinned layer, and the second free layer is parallel to thesecond pinned layer, and the first pinned layer and second pinned layerare parallel.
 5. A reconfigurable device comprising: a first magneticelement comprising a ferromagnetic pinned layer, a ferromagnetic freelayer, and a non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the free layerhaving a magnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a secondmagnetic element connected in series to the first magnetic element witha spacer layer therebetween, the second element comprising a secondferromagnetic pinned layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and asecond non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the second free layerhaving a magnetization orientation switchable by spin torque, whereinthe spacer layer is positioned between and adjacent the first free layerof the first magnetic element and the second free layer of the secondmagnetic element; a first input current path and a second input currentpath into and through the first and second magnetic elements thatprovide a flow of electrons through the first magnetic element and thesecond magnetic element; and a resistance sensing circuit electricallyconnected to the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element.6. The magnetic device of claim 5, wherein the spacer layer comprises anon-magnetic material sufficiently thick to isolate the first magneticelement form the second magnetic element.
 7. A reconfigurable devicecomprising: a first magnetic element comprising a ferromagnetic pinnedlayer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a second magnetic element connected in seriesto the first magnetic element with a spacer layer therebetween, thesecond element comprising a second ferromagnetic pinned layer, a secondferromagnetic free layer, and a second non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the second free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque, wherein the first free layer is a soft freelayer and the second free layer is a hard free layer; a first inputcurrent path and a second input current path into and through the firstand second magnetic elements that provide a flow of electrons throughthe first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; and aresistance sensing circuit electrically connected to the first magneticelement and the second magnetic element.
 8. A reconfigurable devicecomprising: a first magnetic element comprising a ferromagnetic pinnedlayer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a second magnetic element connected in seriesto the first magnetic element with a spacer layer therebetween, thesecond element comprising a second ferromagnetic pinned layer, a secondferromagnetic free layer, and a second non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the second free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque, wherein the free layer of the first magneticelement and the free layer of the second magnetic element have differentcoercive fields; a first input current path and a second input currentpath into and through the first and second magnetic elements thatprovide a flow of electrons through the first magnetic element and thesecond magnetic element; and a resistance sensing circuit electricallyconnected to the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element.9. A reconfigurable device comprising: a first magnetic elementcomprising a ferromagnetic pinned layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, anda non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a second magneticelement connected in series to the first magnetic element with a spacerlayer therebetween, the second element comprising a second ferromagneticpinned layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and a secondnon-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the second free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a first inputcurrent path and a second input current path into and through the firstand second magnetic elements that provide a flow of electrons throughthe first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; a resistancesensing circuit electrically connected to the first magnetic element andthe second magnetic element; and an input system.
 10. The magneticdevice of claim 9, wherein the input system is configured to generatethe first input current and the second input current.
 11. Areconfigurable device comprising: a first magnetic element comprising aferromagnetic pinned layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and anon-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a second magneticelement connected in series to the first magnetic element with a spacerlayer therebetween, the second element comprising a second ferromagneticpinned layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and a secondnon-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the second free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a first inputcurrent path and a second input current path into and through the firstand second magnetic elements that provide a flow of electrons throughthe first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; a resistancesensing circuit electrically connected to the first magnetic element andthe second magnetic element; and an output sensing system.
 12. Amagnetic chip comprising a reconfigurable device the reconfigurabledevice comprising: a first magnetic element comprising a ferromagneticpinned layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrierlayer therebetween, the free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a second magnetic element connected in seriesto the first magnetic element with a spacer layer therebetween, thesecond element comprising a second ferromagnetic pinned layer, a secondferromagnetic free layer, and a second non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the second free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a first input current path and a second inputcurrent path into and through the first and second magnetic elementsthat provide a flow of electrons through the first magnetic element andthe second magnetic element; and a resistance sensing circuitelectrically connected to the first magnetic element and the secondmagnetic element, the chip configured to process information as a logicdevice and to store information as a non-volatile memory unit.
 13. Thechip of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of reconfigurabledevices.
 14. A method of programming a magnetic device, the methodcomprising: providing a magnetic device comprising: a first magneticelement comprising a ferromagnetic pinned layer, a ferromagnetic freelayer, and a non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the free layerhaving a magnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a secondmagnetic element connected in series to the first magnetic element witha spacer layer therebetween, the second element comprising a secondferromagnetic pinned layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and asecond non-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the second free layerhaving a magnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a firstinput current path and a second input current path into and through thefirst and second magnetic elements that provide a flow of electronsthrough the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; anda resistance sensing circuit electrically connected to the firstmagnetic element and the second magnetic element; orienting themagnetization orientation of the free layers by passing a first inputcurrent and a second input current through the magnetic device to form aprogrammed device; and reading the output data with a current less thana critical current of the free layers and, based on the input currents,determining a logic function of the device.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the output data has either a high resistance or a lowresistance.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising after readingthe output data: reorienting the magnetization orientation of the freelayers by passing a third input current and a fourth input currentthrough the magnetic device, to form a reprogrammed device.
 17. A methodof programming a magnetic device, the method comprising: providing amagnetic device comprising: a first magnetic element comprising aferromagnetic pinned layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and anon-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a second magneticelement connected in series to the first magnetic element with a spacerlayer therebetween, the second element comprising a second ferromagneticpinned layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and a secondnon-magnetic barrier layer therebetween, the second free layer having amagnetization orientation switchable by spin torque; a first inputcurrent path and a second input current path into and through the firstand second magnetic elements that provide a flow of electrons throughthe first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; and aresistance sensing circuit electrically connected to the first magneticelement and the second magnetic element; orienting the magnetizationorientation of the free layers by passing a first input current and asecond input current through the magnetic device so that the pinnedlayer and the free layer of the first magnetic logic element areantiparallel and the pinned layer and the free layer of the secondmagnetic element are antiparallel, forming a programmed device thereby;and reading the output data and, based on the input currents,determining a logic function of the device.
 18. A method of programminga magnetic device, the method comprising: providing a magnetic devicecomprising: a first magnetic element comprising a ferromagnetic pinnedlayer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a second magnetic element connected in seriesto the first magnetic element with a spacer layer therebetween, thesecond element comprising a second ferromagnetic pinned layer, a secondferromagnetic free layer, and a second non-magnetic barrier layertherebetween, the second free layer having a magnetization orientationswitchable by spin torque; a first input current path and a second inputcurrent path into and through the first and second magnetic elementsthat provide a flow of electrons through the first magnetic element andthe second magnetic element; and a resistance sensing circuitelectrically connected to the first magnetic element and the secondmagnetic element; orienting the magnetization orientation of the freelayers by passing a first input current and a second input currentthrough the magnetic device so that the pinned layer and the free layerof the first magnetic element are antiparallel and the pinned layer andthe free layer of the second magnetic element are parallel, forming aprogrammed device thereby; and reading the output data and, based on theinput currents, determining a logic function of the device.